§ Ann ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment he has made of the World Commission on Dams report published on 16 November. [139488]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government welcome the aim of the report by the World Commission on Dams to provide guidance internationally on the role which dam construction and operation should play in sustainable development. We are carefully studying the report and will be discussing the conclusions with colleagues in other interested Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and the Department for International Development).
§ Dr. GibsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry what assessment the Government have made of the World Commission on Dams report; and what account will be taken of the report's findings in deciding on granting export credit support for the Ilisu dam. [139519]
§ Mr. CabornThe Government welcome the aim of Report by the World Commission on Dams to provide guidance internationally on the role which dam construction and operation should play in sustainable development. We are carefully studying the report and will be discussing the conclusions with colleagues in other interested Departments (the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions, and the Department of International Development).
No decision has been taken on Ilisu. ECGD support will not be given unless my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry is fully satisfied on the four conditions he has set on resettlement; water quality; preservation of the water supply to Syria and Iraq at all times; and preservation of the architectural heritage.
All of these conditions reflect the Department's concerns about sustainable development which are addressed in the report of the World Commission on Dams.